Meet the Yorkshire Designer Behind these Playful and Bold Homewares
Yorkshire's Natalie Tillison set up Folie Chambre in 2021. As well as working in interior design and sourcing antiques from Europe, she produces playful and bold homewares, furniture and accessories under the name Made by Folie
What’s your background?
In short my PhD and MA research was in the economic relationships in the British Textile industry. I was a History lecturer at a university for a few years before moving into Sixth Form education. I worked my way up to senior leadership, and my last job was a Deputy Principal of a large Northern college.
How did you come to set up Folie Chambre?
Folie Chambre grew out of my love for design, and I started to design things for my own home. I had a home reno Instagram and used to share my finds and designs, and so it naturally grew out of that. There was no business plan or big idea – it was very natural. Liberty spotted one of my designs and stocked my collection, and it went from there.
How would you describe your design style?
As a historian by trade, I’m interested in how things are made and the longevity of what we buy. I adore the works of Gio Ponti, and other mid-century Italian designers. I love old English wood-turning techniques, so they feature in my designs quite heavily.
Where do you source your materials?
Vintage [pieces are] sourced in Italy and France. All of our Made by Folie ranges are traditionally made using sustainable materials. We use local craftspeople and historical methods of production.
What’s your typical day?
It can be anything. I’m designing two homes at the moment, so if I’m working on the interior design part of my business it can be completing floor plans or elevations. If I’m out sourcing you’ll find me scouring Italian and French markets and fairs (I go at least once a month). Or you might find me covered in dust working on new designs with my wood-turner. Alongside I will be shooting new stock, doing accounts, updating my website or speaking to clients regarding orders. We supply a lot of American interior designers so I might be having late-night meetings with them. In short, there’s no typical day.
What’s the hardest part of what you do?
I don’t find it hard, as I adore it – it’s just very busy and you have to be able to switch from one role to another very quickly. Saying that, I would like more time to design products. I find that often designs come to me when we have a holiday and I have a little down time. I need space without the noise of the daily tasks to design.
What’s the best part?
I really love designing Made by Folie items and seeing them in customers’ homes, hotels or in magazines. I really enjoy my interior design work and working with clients to design their beautiful homes. Though I must say there is nothing like the buzz of sourcing an amazing piece of design in the depths of a dusty brocante, especially if I’ve wanted to source one for a long time.
Can you tell us about a favourite recent creation?
We have quite a few new designs at the moment. A popular one is our Clover table, based on the 18th-century trefoil tables. We have a range of ceramics from Puglia which sold out immediately. We are about to launch a range of coat hooks which are hand made by talented metal workers in Yorkshire. Each one takes four hours of metal work to make – I love them.
What are you currently working on?
We’re working on two homes in London, and a hotel in central London. We have designs heading to New York and LA, we have a pop-up in London at the end of June and we are about to open a studio in Yorkshire.
The best place to eat/drink locally?
I’d say The Owl Hawnby. I love the roasts at Hearth in Hull, breakfasts at Thieving Harry’s on the marina in Hull, and an ice cream sundae from The Harbour Bar in Scarborough. And for a special meal, a tasting menu from The Black Swan at Olstead.
A book, TV show, or podcast you recommend?
I don’t watch TV, except when I was pregnant and got a little obsessed with Bake Off. On the long drives to France and Italy I listen to a lot of podcasts or books. Recently I’ve enjoyed the Trojan Horse Affair podcast, and Ghosts by Dolly Alderton. My favourite book will always be Wild Swans by Jung Chang.
An item you couldn’t live without?
Not an item, but if I don’t see the sea once a week I get frustrated.
The best snack for a long journey?
Croissants. I then get annoyed with the crumbs and vow not to eat them in the car again.
Folie Chambre are soon to open an appointment-only studio and events space in Hull, head to foliechambre.com to find out more.
